An MoD source said: “The Dambusters have a strong heritage and special place in the nation’s history.

“It’s fitting that an RAF squadron that played such a key role in the Second World War is to fulfil a leading role in the future of Britain’s airpower with this state of the art stealth combat jet.”

The squadron will get between 12 and 16 aircraft in 2016 and be based at RAF Marham in Norfolk. From 2018 it will also fly from the Navy’s new Queen Elizabeth class carriers.

The Navy will get the second squadron of Joint Strike Fighters.

Britain has agreed to buy at least 48 of the fighters, which are priced at around £71 million each, and has already taken delivery of three test jets. The Ministry of Defence has said it is waiting to decide whether to order another 90 as originally planned.